Am I Getting a Good Deal?
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Originally Posted by johnjp27,Aug 8 2009, 12:05 PM
I think the price is fair, but it really depends on your location and the local market. I wouldn't be concerned about the number of owners in and of itself -- I was the 4th or 5th owner of my first '02 s2k and that thing was a champ just like any other Honda. But I did see the vehicle history report before I bought it. Some of the other stuff you mentioned would concern me though (body repairs, etc). IMO, if you can spend around $12k or $13k I think you'll find something much better than this car. For comparison, I sold my very good condition '02 with 50k miles for $13.7k.
Also, on the number of owners -- I can't say for certain, but I think the s2k is frequently a weekend or fun car, not a daily driver. And people with the means for an extra car may only hold onto it for a year or two and trade up, resulting in more owners. I had a Miata for 2 years, my first s2k for 2 years, and just bought my second s2k. There was nothing wrong with either of the first two cars, I just wanted and was able to get something newer each time.
I think the best advice is to be as patient as possible and have as large a search area as possible. Good luck and keep us posted!
Also, on the number of owners -- I can't say for certain, but I think the s2k is frequently a weekend or fun car, not a daily driver. And people with the means for an extra car may only hold onto it for a year or two and trade up, resulting in more owners. I had a Miata for 2 years, my first s2k for 2 years, and just bought my second s2k. There was nothing wrong with either of the first two cars, I just wanted and was able to get something newer each time.
I think the best advice is to be as patient as possible and have as large a search area as possible. Good luck and keep us posted!
I think I will be fine if I take it to a Honda dealership to get a full inspection.
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From: Greenville, Ohio
Maybe its just where I live but when I was looking for an S2K last year I found several for around the $10K range that were in decent shape with around 70-80K miles. I even found an 01 for $8000 but it had a little over 100K on it. I know I did get a really good deal on my car. It still books for over $12K right now. By the way do you have any pics of the car? I guess depending on the damage repair costs and the what the carfax report brings back will determine if I would purchase it or not.
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[QUOTE=savesday04,Aug 8 2009, 04:19 PM] Maybe its just where I live but when I was looking for an S2K last year I found several for around the $10K range that were in decent shape with around 70-80K miles.
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From: West Chester PA
I understood what you meant; I'd just be concerned with finding a problem related to the repairs later on that wasn't visible at the time of purchase. But as long as you're satisfied with the repair work and have the car thoroughly inspected by a body shop and mechanic, then you're probably good to go.
I'd also suggest checking the alignment (front and rear) on a machine before purchasing (don't just by eyeball it -- things that are bent can actually look OK to your eye). A car that can't be brought into alignment likely means the frame and / or some suspension components are bent. Even if it's just some bent suspension parts the fix can be expensive: OEM lower arms are about $250 each, upper arms are around $170 each, just to give you an idea.
Short response -- if you're happy with the quality of the repairs, a mechanic and body shop give it the and you get a price you're happy with, then go for it. Good luck 
I'd also suggest checking the alignment (front and rear) on a machine before purchasing (don't just by eyeball it -- things that are bent can actually look OK to your eye). A car that can't be brought into alignment likely means the frame and / or some suspension components are bent. Even if it's just some bent suspension parts the fix can be expensive: OEM lower arms are about $250 each, upper arms are around $170 each, just to give you an idea.
Short response -- if you're happy with the quality of the repairs, a mechanic and body shop give it the
and you get a price you're happy with, then go for it. Good luck
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From: Greenville, Ohio
How about this one. Im not sure where in CA you're from but this is an 02 for $8000 with 69K miles in Fresno. It has AP2 front bumper and headlights. I'd run a carfax on it though to see if its been in a wreck since the front has been changed to AP2. Looks really nice though.
http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/1310973774.html
Another:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1307602028.html
http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/1310973774.html
Another:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1307602028.html
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Originally Posted by savesday04,Aug 8 2009, 10:00 PM
How about this one. Im not sure where in CA you're from but this is an 02 for $8000 with 69K miles in Fresno. It has AP2 front bumper and headlights. I'd run a carfax on it though to see if its been in a wreck since the front has been changed to AP2. Looks really nice though.
http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/1310973774.html
Another:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1307602028.html
http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/1310973774.html
Another:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/1307602028.html
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From: Greenville, Ohio
ahhh.... i didnt see that salvage. he kinda snuck it in there.
found this one. He's asking $11500 but he says no offers lower than 10K.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/1310131169.html
found this one. He's asking $11500 but he says no offers lower than 10K.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/1310131169.html
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From: Greenville, Ohio
alright... well good luck with your search. Just dont jump on the first one you look at. I spent a few months searching for mine and looked at plenty of them before I found the right one. Also dont forget that lower mileage doesnt always mean its going to be a better car. The way the car was driven will determine that.
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Very true. I am pretty much relying on the Honda dealership to do the full inspection until I make a decision this week. I am out of a car so I don't have the time to be looking for another S2000 for too long unfortunately.